I have recently read an article on schools in the 21st Century unable to escape the methods, strategies and technologies of the 20th Century. The article entitled How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 2oth Century (2006) by Claudia Wallis and Sonja Steptoe, discusses the need to re-evaluate “what we teach and the way [...]

I recently read an article entitled Integrating Computers into the Primary School Curriculum by Janet Wood. The article discussed the benefits provided by effective computer integration in the classroom. The article discussed how computer technologies have been responsible for massive changes in the way students learn, research and present their work. Wood wanted other teachers [...]

I have recently read an article by Seymour Papert entitled Constructinism V’s Instructionism (1980’s). It states constructionism involves creating lessons and activities which allow children to learn by doing, rather than by listening. The article gave an example of using a mathematics lesson to constructively create something. However, I believe this theory could be applied [...]

I have just finished reading the article Laptops Unleashed by Pamela Livingston (2004). The article discussed the Peck Middle School (K-8) which successfully integrated a laptop program into the school six years ago.
Students in years seven to eight are equipped with apple ibooks and connect to the Peck’s network for email, internet, printing, viewing assessment [...]

After reviewing an interactive children’s website, I was curious as to what guidelines and criteria others followed when evaluating children’s learning sites. I found the article What Makes a Good Kid’s Website? by Idit Harel (2003) set out crucial guidelines explaining what to look for when evaluating children’s learning sites.These guidelines included information regarding design, [...]

I have recently reviewed the innovative children’s website World Maths Day. The world maths day website is an interactive children’s site where students from across the globe attempt to answer as many mathematics questions as possible in one day. This year more than one million students from over 150 countries took part. The students play [...]

I have just finished reading The Six C’s of Motivation by Shiang Kwei Wang and Seungyeon Han. This reading provides an interesting insight into student motivation and gives efficient examples of how to increase student motivation and create well organised, enjoyable lessons.
The six C’s stated to increase motivation include: choice, challenge, control, collaboration, constructing meaning [...]

While I believe that technology plays an ever increasing role in classroom teaching and learning experiences, I believe that traditional literacies still play a far more significant role in childrens numercy and literacy development. With technological developments it will one day no doubt be possible for students to never use pens and paper in the [...]

After being asked to write a few paragraphs on my greatest passion or wildest dream I was tossing up between travelling to exotic landscapes, sightseeing in all the major cities or relaxing on a deserted beach. However, ultimately I knew my greatest passion would have to be children. Particularly assisting disadvantage children to develop academically, [...]

I have just watched a brief video by Colette Cassinelli on podcasting. It gives an informative rundown on everything podcasting, from what a podcast is through to creating your own podcast and incorporating podcasts into the classroom. If you’re thinking of using podcasts in your class you should check out this video first!